Thread: 2001 Lazer Z Almost 4000 hours

What is your opinion ? I bought this mower new in 2001 and the 23 kaw is showing its age finally. Bad oil leak with some backfiring and popping at times when cold starting. Does run strong though. The original blade spindles are still tight. The hydro's are still good and strong. Mower is in decent shape still for its age
Is it worth looking into a rebuild or should I just replace the engine with a new one ?

Should I upgrade to a bigger engine. The 23 Kaw has always done me good.

A neighbor had some problems with his 19 HP Kawi engine on a SCAG. He'd brought his SCAG new about 8 or 9 years ago. Took it to dealer and dealer told him best choice was a new engine. It cost my neighbor $2,000 (dealer did everything) and only took about a week (they had to order him an engine). The neighbor is quite happy with the mower and swears it runs like it was brand new. We are parting out his old engine. Lots of the larger assemblies (fllywheel, carburetor, coils, etc) have some value.

Have a Turf Tracer with the exact same engine. Mine is close to turning 5000 hours so I understand where you are. If the leak is around the governor shaft it is an expensive repair. If it is else where it should not be a deal breaker. The popping could be nothing more than a carb issue. If so, rebuilds for that are cheap. My advice is to take it in to a reputable shop and have two tests run: a leak down test and check the compression. If those are good, I would get an estimate for the repairs. Just guessing but replacing the engine could run up to $2500.

Thanks for the info, it is the original engine. Its been a good mower. I bought another used one earlier this year with a 23 Kohler ,same year 2001 or 2002 with 900 hours and hope it will last as long. I have a local mechanic close to me will see what he thinks. Compression test is the first thing I suppose after that find out where the oil leak is coming from.

Thanks for the info, it is the original engine. Its been a good mower. I bought another used one earlier this year with a 23 Kohler ,same year 2001 or 2002 with 900 hours and hope it will last as long. I have a local mechanic close to me will see what he thinks. Compression test is the first thing I suppose after that find out where the oil leak is coming from.

Where is the oil leaking from? Front? Top? Bottom? Every known seal has been replaced in my engine except the head gasket.